NIHSA Urges States Along Benue River to Brace for Water Release from Lagdo Dam

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has urged states bordering the Benue River to heighten their alertness as the Cameroonian authorities plan to release water from the Lagdo Dam. This advisory was issued in a statement signed by NIHSA’s Chief Executive Officer and Director General, Umar Ibrahim Mohamed, on Tuesday.

The water release is expected to affect the following states: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers. According to NIHSA, the water will be released gradually, beginning at a rate of 100 cubic meters per second, or 8.64 million cubic meters per day, and will likely increase over the next seven days to 1,000 cubic meters per second. The release will depend on the inflows from the upstream Garoua River, which feeds into the Benue River.

"The Cameroonian dam authorities assured NIHSA that the water releases will be regulated to avoid exceeding the capacity of the Benue River and triggering major flooding downstream in Nigeria," the statement read. NIHSA emphasized that the controlled release of water would cease once there is a noticeable decrease in the inflow into the Lagdo reservoir.

While the current water levels along the Benue River remain within safe limits, NIHSA has advised the public not to panic, stating that major flooding downstream is not anticipated. However, they encouraged all levels of government to take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of flooding.

NIHSA also assured the public that it will continue to closely monitor water levels along the Benue River and other national inland waterways, providing regular updates to keep citizens informed and safe.